Most notably
During a 32-year career at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Andrea was a recognized leader on several high-profile projects, including authorization of the fuel load for Georgia’s Vogtle Units 3 and 4 – the first new commercial nuclear power plant to be constructed in the U.S. in more than three decades.
She led a first-of-its-kind independent verification process that authenticated the plant was constructed in accordance with regulatory standards, ensuring continued protection of public health and safety.
Professional experience
Andrea joins ZettaJoule’s executive team after leading the NRC’s largest office where she managed more than 500 staff members and a budget in excess of $500 million.
She is a highly respected regulatory expert who brings three decades of leadership experience in shaping and implementing innovative regulatory frameworks that improve timely prioritization and review of new and advanced reactor technologies.
Andrea led the work for the NRC’s licensing of Kairos Hermes Unit 1, which was the first entirely new reactor technology approved in the United States in nearly 50 years. Under her leadership, her team not only achieved the historic licensing milestone, but also delivered safety reviews more than 50 percent faster – and at 75 percent lower costs compared to similar past efforts.
She empowered her staff to challenge legacy processes and embrace innovation in pursuit of regulatory excellence, which led to issuing a safety determination in a record-setting 18 months. Building on that achievement, Andrea challenged her team to establish an even more aggressive 14-month schedule for the next application.
Her unwavering dedication, technical acumen and exceptional leadership have been instrumental in advancing the safety of the nation’s operating nuclear power plant fleet.
Education
Andrea earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University.
More about Andrea
She is a native Detroiter who has lived in Maryland for the past 30 years. Her husband is a retired Air Force combat medic and current Washington, D.C. police officer.
Andrea is a former instructor of hand dancing – a specific type of swing dance characterized by intricate hand movements and smooth footwork.
She is passionate about health and wellness, consistently making time to exercise, volunteer or cook something tasty and nutritious in the kitchen.
Her favorite quote is by the late pioneering Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth.”